Food storage container and organizing container system

ABSTRACT

The present patent of invention relates to a food storage container and organizing container system ( 1 ), particularly for perishable breakfast foods such as ham, cheese, whipped cream, jelly, fruit, and foods in bulk, among others. Preferably, said food storage container and organizing container system ( 1 ) has been designed to be stored in refrigerators (not depicted) and used as a tray for serving foods in a lovely and practical way. Said food storage container and organizing container system comprises a base ( 2 ) with a single body to accommodate containers ( 3 ) in which food portions are stored, said base ( 2 ) being closed by a lid ( 4 ). Said lid ( 4 ) is attached to the base ( 2 ) to separate foods stored inside the respective containers ( 3 ). Additionally, particularly, lid ( 4 ) may be attached to the bottom of base ( 2 ) to keep an organized environment as well as to provide proper support and avoid unintentional movements when using the food storage container and organizing container system to serve foods.

The present patent of invention relates to a food storage container andorganizing container system for storing foods, particularly forperishable breakfast foods such as ham, cheese, whipped cream, jelly,fruit, and foods in bulk, among others. Preferably, said food storagecontainer and organizing container system has been designed to be storedin refrigerators and used as a tray for serving foods in a lovely andpractical way. Said food storage container and organizing containersystem comprises a base to accommodate containers into which foodportions are stored, said base being closed by a single lid, said lidbeing attached to the bottom of base to be used as a tray.

PRINCIPLES OF THE INVENTION

A growing number of families are seeking alternatives to facilitate theway they eat, whether due to their busy routine or even due to theslowness when preparing the food. For practical purposes, these peoplesometimes resort to ready-to-eat foods which are not always healthy, soas to speed up time and enjoy family moments during meals.

It has been noticed, though, that preparing food beforehand coupled withthe proper storage and serving thereof facilitates the day to day lifeof people and, in dealing with perishable foods most of the times, anorganized refrigerator is essential to avoid waste. Additionally,product packages contain contaminating agents caused by handling andtransport that can contaminate the food inside the package as well asother foods inside the refrigerator; a hygienic and sterilized packageis thus the most appropriate way of storing food.

For this purpose, there is a demand to provide food storage containersand organizing container systems to meet the above mentioned needs aswell as to keep food properties intact.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Food storage containers, typically made of thermoplastic or glassmaterial, among others, to store, organize and keep foods separate andsafe from possible external contaminations are currently known.

Said containers, in their majority single units, are typically difficultto be stored inside refrigerators in an organized manner, thus making italso difficult to identify foods inside each container due to theirdifferent sizes, sizes which are not designed and configured accordingto the space available in refrigerator shelves and drawers.

Also the fact that containers of different sizes comprise lids of variedsizes makes it difficult to find the correct lid for a selectedcontainer.

Besides these disadvantages, some containers are often out of range ofvision from users due to the difficulty of identification andorganization of varied sized containers, which can lead foods to spoilas they are forgotten in their containers inside refrigerators.

Further, the fact that containers are typically stacked in a disorderlyway and do not present a favorable geometry makes it difficult tohandle, serve and store containers again within a refrigerator, as wellas affecting air circulation in the refrigerator, thus compromisingrefrigeration of foods. The time the refrigerator door is kept open tohandle containers also raises the temperature therein, thussignificantly increasing consumption of energy that is wasted whileserving and restoring all containers.

Several products are now provided with special packages that allow themto be directly stored within the refrigerator. Those packages are notprovided with a favorable geometry as they are not designed according tothe space available on the shelves and drawers, nor to be stacked one onthe other due to their varied geometries. These packages do not helporganizing the refrigerator and also contain contaminating agents due tohandling and transport which may contaminate the food inside or otherfoods within the refrigerator.

Additionally, it is common knowledge that most perishable foods requireproper practices for storage and, as such, it is necessary to keep foodsseparate according to their nature and preparation method. Moreover,foods should be kept lidded, protected, and sealed to isolate them fromthe contact with the air circulating inside the refrigerator, thusavoiding cross contamination.

Aiming to solve the foregoing drawbacks, the present invention proposesa food storage container and organizing container system that allows aplurality of containers to be accommodated into a base, and into whichfood portions are stored in an organized and practical way, said basebeing closed by a single lid to keep all containers locked.

Advantageously, the present invention allows the food storage containerand organizing container system to be placed in the refrigerator thusmaking it easier to organize and manage space and a proper place forsuitable refrigeration, besides providing power efficiency asrefrigerator door needs to be opened just once to get all foods insidethe food storage container and organizing container system.Additionally, food storage container and organizing container systempossesses a favorable aesthetics and construction to serve foods in apractical way, just like a tray.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a foodstorage container and organizing container system with variable sizesand proper geometry to be stored in different sized refrigerators.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a food storagecontainer and organizing container system fitted with a lid that can beattached to the base to facilitate handling thereof and serving offoods.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a foodstorage container and organizing container system fitted with a lidhaving anatomic handles and opening markings to make it easier to openthe food storage container and organizing container system.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a storagecontainer system fitted with a base having framed partitions to allowplacement of containers spaced apart so as to refrigerate foods in aquick and efficient manner.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a foodstorage container and organizing container system fitted with anatomichandles to make it easier to handle thereof.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a foodstorage container and organizing container system that preventscontamination of foods placed inside refrigerators as contaminatedpackages are disposed of and only the product itself is stored insidethe containers.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a food storagecontainer and organizing container system that facilitates individualsupplying and sanitizing of its components.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a foodstorage container and organizing container system that can bemanufactured in translucent material which, advantageously, allowsviewing of foods stored inside containers thus avoiding losses due tospoilt food.

Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a foodstorage container and organizing container system that allows thestorage of a plurality of containers with varied geometries, sizes andconfigurations, which advantageously helps planning purchasing of foodto be stored in organized manner.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a food storagecontainer and organizing container system that holds containers in foodcapsule form, which can be directly marketed by food companies, thusfurther enhancing practicality of food storage container and organizingcontainer system.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a foodstorage container and organizing container system having markings thatindicate the volume on the containers to help users buy and replacefoods therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In short, the present invention describes a food storage container andorganizing container system comprising a base with a single body thatholds containers, said base being closed by a lid. Said lid can beattached to the base to separate foods stored inside respectivecontainers.

Further, particularly, lid can be attached to the bottom of base to keepan organized environment besides providing proper support and preventunintentional movements during its use as a tray for serving foods.

Schematic figures of a particular embodiment are shown below, in whichthe dimensions and proportions are not necessarily the actual valuessince the sole purpose of the figures is to present in a didactic mannerthe various aspects of the system, the extent of protection of which isdetermined exclusively by the scope of the annexed claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a food storage container andorganizing container system (1) with a base (2), containers (3) and alid (4) in a particular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of a mounted food storage containerand organizing container system (1) with the lid (4) positioned on itstop portion in a particular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a lower perspective view of a food storage container andorganizing container system (1) highlighting the containers (3) placedin the base (2) in a particular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of the base (2), in a particularembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A is an expanded partial view of the detail (A) of FIG. 4, in aparticular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a lower perspective view of the base (2), in a particularembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view of the lid (4), in a particularembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6A is an expanded partial view of the detail (B) of FIG. 6, in aparticular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective lower view of the lid (4), in a particularembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7A is an expanded partial view of the detail (C) of FIG. 7, in aparticular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a mounted food storage containersystem (1), and with the lid (4) positioned on its top portion, in aparticular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8A is an expanded partial cross sectional view of the detail (D) ofFIG. 8, in a particular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is an expanded perspective view of a food storage container andorganizing container system (1) with the lid (4) located on the bottomof base (2), in a particular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of a mounted food storage containerand organizing container system (1), with the lid (4) located on thebottom of base (2), in a particular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a lower perspective view of a mounted food storage containerand organizing container system (1), with the lid (4) located on thebottom of base (2), in a particular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of a mounted food storage containerand organizing container system (1), with the lid (4) located on itsbottom, in a particular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12A is an expanded partial cross sectional view of the detail (E)of FIG. 12, in a particular embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is an upper perspective view of a mounted food storage containerand organizing container system (1), with the lid (4) located on thebottom of base (2), in another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the containers (3) stacked to oneanother.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As illustrated by the accompanying figures, the food storage containerand organizing container system (1) comprises components, fittedtogether, and preferably manufactured by injection molding process usingthermoplastic material, proper for the direct contact with foods, saidmaterial being free of heavy metals in compliance with the Europeandirective RoHS (Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances).

The food storage container and organizing container system (1) can alsobe manufactured in translucent material that, advantageously, allowsviewing of foods stored inside containers (3), thus avoiding losses dueto spoilt food.

It will be understood that the food storage container and organizingcontainer system (1) may comprise different sizes and have propergeometry and configuration, preferably to be used in different sizedrefrigerators (not depicted) without departing from the scope ofprotection of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the food storage container andorganizing container system (1) comprises a base (2) with a single bodyto hold containers (3), which are closed by a lid (4) that can beattached to the base (2) to separate respective containers (3) in whichfood portions are stored.

Base (2), as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 4A and 5, is made up by astructural body provided with an external wall (24) associated with aplurality of partitions (22) conveniently arranged so as to form aplurality of compartments (25) to hold the containers (3). Said base (2)further comprises a peripheral rim (26) extending, preferably, along theentire periphery of base (2). The peripheral rim (26) and the partitions(22) are delimited by enlarged borders so as to form upper bearingsurfaces (20).

Preferably, base (2) comprises a ledge (21) extending along its entireperiphery having, preferably, a geometry which is rounded andsubstantially perpendicular to the external wall (24) so as to define ananatomic handle area.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 13, containers (3) may comprise variedgeometries and sizes depending on the arrangement of partitions (22) andthe sizes of the food storage container and organizing container system(1), said containers (3) may be manufactured in varied materialsconvenient to be used in high temperature environments such as microwaveovens without losing their mechanical properties.

Optionally, containers (3) may be of the food capsule form, which allowsfood manufacturers themselves to design packages with a proper geometryto be fitted into the compartments (25) of the food storage containerand organizing container system (1), thus further enhancing itspracticality.

According to FIGS. 8, 8A, 12 and 12A, containers (3) are provided with arim (30) on their upper portion that rests on the upper bearing surfaces(20) when containers (3) are placed inside the compartments (25). Saidcontainers (3) further comprise, preferably, rounded corners (31) ontheir lower inner side for easy cleaning.

Optionally, food storage container and organizing container system (1)may comprise sealing means (not depicted), such as a thermoplastic orsilicone elastomer film, among other similar materials, applied to thecontainer (3) rims (30) to efficiently insulate the foods inside thecontainers (3) when the lid (4) is closed.

Alternatively, sealing means (not depicted) may be directly applied tothe upper bearing surfaces (20) of base (2) between the containers (3)so as to compensate thickness of the container (3) rims (30) thusenabling contact with lid (4) to provide efficient insulation.

It will be understood that other known means may be used to insulatefoods, for instance, the components of the food container and organizingcontainer system may be manufactured in specific thermoplastic materialwith a lower hardness that, when fitted together, enable surfaces to beisolated under pressure with greater efficiency.

Configuration of said containers (3), as illustrated in FIG. 14, makesit easier to store and organize them inside kitchen cabinets, as well asfavorable aesthetics in such a way that the geometry of the largercontainer (G) equals two medium-sized containers (M) and, at the sametime, the geometry of two medium-sized containers (M) or one largecontainer (G) equals four small-sized containers (P).

As illustrated in FIGS. 4, 4A, 8 and 8A, the upper bearing surfaces (20)with enlarged borders define a space between the containers (3) to formheat exchange areas (27) whereby the air flow in low temperatures helpsrefrigerate foods, thus significantly increasing refrigerationefficiency of the foods stored inside the containers (3).

Preferably, base (2) is hollow on its bottom side so as to allowentrance and circulation of refrigerated air between the containers (3)when said base (2) is stored within a refrigerator using wire shelving.

Preferably, base (2) comprises at least one longitudinal opening (28)arranged on the external wall (24) to allow air flow when food storagecontainer and organizing container system (1) is placed on arefrigerator shelf (not depicted) with a fully closed surface such as aflat plate glass.

It will be understood that the base (2) may be partially closed on itsbottom side and provided with evenly distributed openings so as to allowentrance of refrigerated air into the food storage container andorganizing container system (1) thus refrigerating the foods storedinside the containers (3) without departing from the scope of protectionof the present invention.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 6A, 7, and 7A, lid (4) is provided with asubstantially flat overall geometry and comprises a peripheral rim (41)provided with an inner bearing surface (41 a) followed by a projection(44). Preferably, lid (4) comprises a ledge (42) extending along itsentire periphery.

Lid (4) may comprise at least one anatomic handle area (43) along itsperiphery. Preferably, anatomic handle areas (43) are arranged onopposite sides of lid (4) to help open the food storage container andorganizing container system (1).

As illustrated in FIGS. 7, 7A, 8 and 8A, inner bearing surface (41 a) isprovided with concordant geometry and sizes which are minimally largerthan the external geometry of peripheral rim (26) of base (2) to enablelid (4) to be properly attached and close food storage container andorganizing container system (1).

As illustrated in FIGS. 4, 4A, 7 and 7A, peripheral rim (26) of base (2)comprises at least one groove (201) while lid (4) projection (44)comprises at least one protrusion (401). Said groove (201) on theperipheral rim (26) is concordant with the protrusion (401) on theprojection (44) so as to define mechanical interference locking meansbetween the lid (4) and the base (2).

Optionally, lid (4) may comprise reduced thickness areas especially onthe areas where mechanical interference locking means between the lid(4) and the base (2) takes place, thus facilitating the bending of thematerial and easily and lightly locking and unlocking lid (4).

As illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, lid (4) may be attached to thebottom of base (2) to create a support structure for the base (2) thusmaking it easier to handle the food storage container and organizingcontainer system (1) and preventing its unintentional movement.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 12A in a particular embodiment of theinvention, said projection (44) is also provided with a convenient andminimally smaller external geometry to be connected to the bottom ofbase (2) through the external wall (24) with minimally larger internaldimensions. Advantageously, lid (4) remains associated with the foodstorage container and organizing container system (1) so as to keep anorganized environment as well as to provide proper support and avoidunintentional movements when using the storage container and organizingcontainer system to serve foods.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, lid (4), preferably, may be provided with atleast one extra gripping element on its upper surface (45) to promotefriction with the contact surface when using the food storage containerand organizing container system (1) thus preventing unintentionalmovements therein. Said extra gripping element may be conveniently fixedor injected to the lid (4).

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 6A, lid (4), in a preferred embodiment ofthe invention, may comprise at least one groove (45 a) located on thelid (4) upper surface (45), which is provided with an extra grippingelement (46) inserted by mechanical interference.

Preferably, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, food storage container andorganizing container system (1) may comprise markings (10) on its lid(4) to indicate the proper place to open the food storage container andorganizing container system (1). Additionally, containers (3) maycomprise markings (11) on their underside to identify the volume thushelping users to buy and replace foods in the containers (3).

FIG. 13 illustrates, as an example, another embodiment of the inventionwhereby the food storage container and organizing container system (1)is provided with a differentiated arrangement for the compartments (25)in the base (2) which allows proper positioning of a plurality ofcontainers (3).

A person skilled in the art will promptly infer, from the descriptionand the drawings depicted, various ways of carrying out the inventionwithout departing from the scope of the accompanying claims.

1. “FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER AND ORGANIZING CONTAINER SYSTEM”characterized in that food storage container and organizing containersystem (1) comprises a base (2) with a single body that holds containers(3); a lid (4) attached to the base (2) to separate respectivecontainers (3); base (2) is made up by a structural body provided with aplurality of partitions (22), an external wall (24), a peripheral rim(26), upper bearing surfaces (20) and a plurality of compartments (25)configured to hold containers (3); the lid (4) comprises a peripheralrim (41) followed by a projection (44) and at least one anatomicalhandle area (43).
 2. “FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER AND ORGANIZING CONTAINERSYSTEM”, according to claim 1, characterized in that base (2) comprisesa ledge (21) extending along its entire periphery.
 3. “FOOD STORAGECONTAINER AND ORGANIZING CONTAINER SYSTEM”, according to claim 2,characterized in that ledge (21) of base (2) has a rounded geometrysubstantially perpendicular to the external wall (24) so as to form ananatomical handle area.
 4. “FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER AND ORGANIZINGCONTAINER SYSTEM”, according to claim 1, characterized in that base (2)bearing surfaces (20) are enlarged to define a space between thecontainers (3) and form heat exchange areas (27) between the containers(3) and the partitions (22).
 5. “FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER AND ORGANIZINGCONTAINER SYSTEM”, according to claim 1, characterized in that base (2)is hollow on its bottom side.
 6. “FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER AND ORGANIZINGCONTAINER SYSTEM”, according to claim 1, characterized in that base (2)comprises at least one longitudinal opening (28) arranged on theexternal wall (24).
 7. “FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER AND ORGANIZING CONTAINERSYSTEM”, according to claim 1, characterized in that base (2) ispartially closed on its bottom side and fitted with convenientlydistributed openings to allow circulation of refrigerated air.
 8. “FOODSTORAGE CONTAINER AND ORGANIZING CONTAINER SYSTEM”, according to claim1, characterized in that containers (3) comprise a geometry which isconcordant with the geometry of partitions (22).
 9. “FOOD STORAGECONTAINER AND ORGANIZING CONTAINER SYSTEM”, according to claim 1,characterized in that containers (3) are provided with a rim (30) ontheir upper portion that rests on the upper bearing surfaces (20) whenthe containers (3) are placed inside the compartments (25).
 10. “FOODSTORAGE CONTAINER AND ORGANIZING CONTAINER SYSTEM”, according to claim1, characterized in that containers (3) comprise rounded corners (31) ontheir lower inner side.
 11. “FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER AND ORGANIZINGCONTAINER SYSTEM”, according to claim 1, characterized in thatcontainers (3) comprise markings (11) to identify their volume. 12.“FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER AND ORGANIZING CONTAINER SYSTEM”, according toclaim 1, characterized in that containers (3) are of the food capsuleform to be fitted into the compartments (25).
 13. “FOOD STORAGECONTAINER AND ORGANIZING CONTAINER SYSTEM”, according to claim 1,characterized in that containers (3) comprise equivalent geometries inwhich the larger container (G) equals two medium-sized containers (M)and two medium-sized containers (M) or one large container (G) equalsfour small-sized containers (P).
 14. “FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER ANDORGANIZING CONTAINER SYSTEM”, according to claim 1, characterized inthat peripheral rim (41) of lid (4) is provided with an inner bearingsurface (41 a) with concordant geometry and sizes which are minimallylarger than the external geometry of the peripheral rim (26) of base (2)so as to enable proper attachment of said lid (4) when closing the foodstorage and organizing container system (1).
 15. “FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERAND ORGANIZING CONTAINER SYSTEM”, according to claim 1, characterized inthat it comprises sealing means applied to the container (3) rims (30).16. “FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER AND ORGANIZING CONTAINER SYSTEM”, accordingto claim 1, characterized in that it comprises sealing means applied tothe base (2) surfaces (20).
 17. “FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER AND ORGANIZINGCONTAINER SYSTEM”, according to claim 1, characterized in that lid (4)comprises a ledge (42) extending along its entire periphery.
 18. “FOODSTORAGE CONTAINER AND ORGANIZING CONTAINER SYSTEM”, according to claim1, characterized in that anatomical handle areas (43) are arranged onopposite sides of lid (4).
 19. “FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER AND ORGANIZINGCONTAINER SYSTEM”, according to claim 1, characterized in that lid (4)comprises markings (10) to indicate opening areas of food storage andorganizing container system (1).
 20. “FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER ANDORGANIZING CONTAINER SYSTEM”, according to claim 1, characterized inthat it comprises locking means to lock lid (4) to the base (2) bymechanical interference, wherein peripheral rim (26) of base (2)comprises at least one groove (201) and the lid (4) projection (44)comprises at least one protrusion (401) so as to define locking meansbetween the lid (4) and the base (2), wherein lid (4) comprisesthickness reduced areas on the areas where mechanical interferencelocking means between the lid (4) and the base (2) takes place, whereinlid (4) can be attached to the bottom of base (2) so as to a createsupport base, wherein projection (44) of lid (4) is provided with aconvenient and minimally smaller external geometry to be connected tothe bottom of base (2) through the external wall (24) with minimallylarger internal dimensions wherein lid (4) comprises at least one extragripping element (46) arranged on the upper surface (45) that can beconveniently fixed or injected to the lid (4), and lid (4) comprises atleast one groove (45 a) which receives an extra gripping element (46).21-26. (canceled)